Ithaka S+R arranged for six different public institutions to teach the same introductory statistics course to 605 students. In each, a control group was enrolled in a traditional classroom-based course, while a test group took a hybrid course using computer-based instruction in concert with one face-to-face meeting each week. Students were selected randomly for the two different groups.

Ithaka S+R concluded that the results of this study are “remarkable; they show comparable learning outcomes for this basic course, with a promise of cost savings and productivity gains.”

Cost Savings and Productivity Over Time

The Ithaka S+R study found that students in hybrid format courses spend approximately 25% less time on course work each week compared to students in traditional courses, and the same learning outcome could be achieved in less time. “Crude cost estimation models” suggest that delivering more instruction online could save between 19% and 57% of costs, with the exact number varying by the speci­fic implementation of the course format.

Notably, the study also showed that technology learning solutions can increase student output and potential enrollment while keeping faculty numbers and space needs the same. If successful, the result will be higher productivity of teaching and learning.